This year, National Invest In Veterans Week (NIVW), celebrated from March 1–7, takes on a deeper meaning as we reflect on the enduring legacy of President Jimmy Carter. As we honor the contributions of veteran entrepreneurs, we also celebrate Carter’s unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and community investment. This unique convergence of themes provides a profound opportunity to highlight the transformative power of service and the vital role veterans play in shaping our economy and society.

With a shared mission of empowering those who lead through resilience and dedication, National Invest In Veterans Week and Carter’s legacy create a compelling narrative of service, sacrifice, and leadership rooted in empathy and action.

Why National Invest In Veterans Week Matters

National Invest In Veterans Week was established to honor the entrepreneurial spirit of America’s veterans and elevate their contributions to the economy. Veterans are not only skilled leaders and problem-solvers but also pioneers in industries ranging from technology to sustainable agriculture. Veteran-owned businesses contribute over $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, providing jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening local communities.

NIVW is a call to action:

• Shop Veteran: Invest in businesses owned and operated by veterans.

• Advocate: Push for policies like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, which aims to provide tax credits, mentorship funding, and streamlined federal contracting for veteran entrepreneurs.

• Empower: Celebrate and amplify the voices of veteran leaders.

This year, NIVW includes special focus areas like March 6th, a day celebrating Angel Shuford, the visionary behind FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, programs designed to empower female veteran entrepreneurs. Her birthday provides a moment to reflect on the unique challenges faced by female veterans and the groundbreaking initiatives supporting their success.

Jimmy Carter’s Legacy: A Testament to Service and Leadership

As a former Navy officer, President Jimmy Carter embodied the qualities of resilience, discipline, and perseverance that define both veterans and entrepreneurs. Carter’s life serves as a beacon for the values that NIVW promotes—service to others, community building, and a commitment to uplifting the underserved.

During his presidency, Carter championed small businesses, rural development, and humanitarian causes. These efforts mirrored the challenges faced by today’s veteran entrepreneurs, who often overcome significant obstacles, including:

• Access to Capital: Female veteran entrepreneurs, for instance, face a 48% loan rejection rate, underscoring the need for initiatives like FeMil℠ to close funding gaps.

• Mentorship Deficits: Veterans often lack access to tailored guidance, a gap addressed by programs like FeMil Lead℠, which pairs female veterans with industry experts to foster growth and leadership.

• Scaling and Sustainability Challenges: As Carter believed in sustainable growth, so too does NIVW champion scalable, long-term success for veteran-owned businesses.

Carter’s post-presidency efforts, including his humanitarian work with Habitat for Humanity, exemplify his dedication to service—a lesson in leadership that resonates deeply with veteran entrepreneurs striving to uplift their communities.

FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠: A New Era of Female Veteran Leadership

During NIVW, special attention is given to the critical work of FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, two groundbreaking programs spearheaded by Angel Shuford to empower female veteran entrepreneurs.

• FeMil℠ provides the foundation for female veterans to transition into entrepreneurship. It offers education on securing startup funding, building professional networks, and navigating early business challenges.

• FeMil Lead℠ focuses on scaling businesses and leadership development, providing mentorship, advanced training, and tools to secure contracts and compete globally.

These programs embody the values Carter championed—innovation, leadership, and community impact. On March 6th, we celebrate Angel Shuford’s birthday as a tribute to her visionary efforts and as a day to reflect on the progress made in empowering female veterans.

Learn More: FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠: Redefining Female Veteran Leadership During National Invest In Veterans Week.

Bridging Carter’s Values and the Mission of NIVW

President Carter’s ethos aligns seamlessly with the goals of NIVW and initiatives like FeMil℠. Both focus on fostering innovation and empowering underserved communities. This year, we can elevate both legacies through:

1. Legacy Spotlights: Share stories of veteran-owned businesses that embody Carter’s values of sustainability, community, and leadership.

2. Veteran-Carter Forums: Host virtual and in-person panels where veterans discuss how Carter’s leadership philosophy inspires their work.

3. Community Engagement: Encourage local events celebrating both NIVW and Carter’s contributions, fostering discussions on the connection between service and economic empowerment.

4. Social Media Campaigns: Use hashtags like #InvestInVeterans and #CarterLegacy to amplify these narratives and encourage widespread participation.

Taking Action: How You Can Support NIVW and Honor Carter’s Legacy

This year’s NIVW provides opportunities to celebrate and invest in veterans, reflecting the values Carter championed throughout his life. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Shop Veteran: Support businesses owned by veterans and promote their services in your community.

• Advocate for Policies: Push for legislative measures like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, which aligns with Carter’s focus on small business support.

• Volunteer and Mentor: Participate in mentorship programs like FeMil Lead℠, connecting veterans with resources to help them thrive.

• Engage Locally: Host or attend events that honor both Carter’s life and veteran entrepreneurs’ contributions, such as Forward March Saturday or Veteran Tech Tuesday.

The Convergence of Service and Leadership

National Invest In Veterans Week® and President Jimmy Carter’s legacy intersect in their shared vision of empowering those who serve. Both remind us of the profound impact of service-driven leadership and the importance of investing in those who dedicate their lives to uplifting others.

As we honor Carter’s legacy and celebrate veterans, particularly on March 6th, let’s reflect on how we can build a future where service, resilience, and leadership create lasting change. This week, let’s commit to shopping veteran, sharing stories, and advocating for policies that enable veterans to thrive as entrepreneurs.

Learn More and Join the Movement:

• FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠: Redefining Female Veteran Leadership During National Invest In Veterans Week.

• What is the Salute to Veterans?.

Let’s honor service, empower leaders, and shape the future together. Mark your calendar for March 6th and the full week of March 1–7 to invest in those who invest in us.